MICHAEL Appleton admitted Oxford United’s 1-1 draw with Crawley Town was an anti-climax, but took encouragement from the way his side fought back to claim a point.

Expectations are high after the strong finish to the last campaign, but the U’s struggled to break down a stubborn visiting side.

Appleton was frustrated not to take three points, but after losing the first four games of last season the U’s boss took some satisfaction in getting off the mark.

He said: “Anything but a win was always going to be an anti-climax.

“We’ve got one point more than we did in the first four games of last season.

“I think psychologically it means something.”

Appleton felt the side’s attacking players fell short on an afternoon where few clear chances were created.

Danny Hylton did strike to earn a point, but it came after a soft opener from Gwion Edwards.

He said: “We’ve had to come from behind after a poor goal, which annoys me.

“Three or four of them switched off and it cost us, but we were adventurous enough to make sure they got in the game.”

An inability to unlock sides who sit deep has been a common theme for United at the Kassam Stadium.

Appleton accepted it is something they must deal with as a side tipped to be in contention for promotion.

He said: “Everyone who is getting backed will come up against sides and they’ve got to break them down.

“The onus is on us.

“We went into Ryan Taylor and Hylts far too early and just gave them an opportunity to clear their lines.

“We’ve spoken about needing to be a bit more patient.”